I do not usually include “the nuclear powere indistry” to our issue of keeping the ban, but there are no longer valid reasons to separate the two phases of the industry. As is made clear, in this as yet un-verified report from the Japanese Nuclear Power Industry’s melt down problem at the TEPCO Ind. plant at Fukushima Dai-ichi, we are dealing with a problem of global proportions. READ IT!! http://akiomatsumura.com/2012/04/682.html

Tuesday, April 10, 2012 through Friday, April 12, 2012 23rd Annual Environment Virginia Symposium “Collaboration. Innovation. Results.”, three days at the Center for Leadership and Ethics, Marshall Hall, VMI Campus, Lexington. Featured topics include uranium mining, unconventional natural gas, renewable energy projects in Virginia, Virginia’s revised storm water management regulations, getting to zero waste, sustainability in higher education, land use and conservation. For information on all 44 sessions and the featured speakers and to register go to www.vmi.edu/environmentva or call 540-464-7361.

Lightly on the Ground Radio features Olga Kolutushkina of Fairfax, VA and Mike Pucci of Littleton, NC. They were in Richmond to attend the 3rd of a series of briefings by members of the National Academies of Science who produced a report on uranium mining. Here’s a link: http://dels.nas.edu/Report/Uranium-Mining-Virginia-Scientific-Technical/13266 . Olga is legislative and regulatory adviser to… the Roanoke River Basin Association and Mike is a water scientist who lives in the watershed south of the proposed uranium mining and milling site. He tells why North Carolina should be included in the discussion. Olga illuminates the money trail from Canada through Virginia and back. At noon, April 4 on WRIR.ORG and 97.3 fm

Uranium Working Group – Home This has got to be one of the least informative government websites to date. Read the FAQs. Clear as mud? The only clear thing I read is that the Commonwealth of VA is using major resources to lift a ban on uranium mining so one company can “get its rocks off” at Coles Hill. In doing so, it will open the rest of VA to the same. http://www.uwg.vi.virginia.gov/

Learning lessons from water crisis http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/mar/28/learning-lessons-water-crisis-ar-1798670/ “This is an issue in the uranium mining debate: The problems Danville’s water customers are experiencing are temporary, but the questions raised about the proposed uranium mine and mill in rural Pittsylvania County are relevant because if that project were to damage well water supplies, the people affected would have to use bottled water for a long time.

Over the years, we’ve heard uranium mining opponents make some superfluous arguments against uranium mining, but drinking water remains the most relevant for the largest number of people in this community.”

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/uranium-mining-news-129-3-28-12/feed/0behealthyvawater problems in Danvillehttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/water-problems-in-danville/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/03/30/water-problems-in-danville/#respondFri, 30 Mar 2012 14:02:16 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=707This is an issue in the uranium mining debate: The problems Danville’s water customers are experiencing are temporary, but the questions raised about the proposed uranium mine and mill in rural Pittsylvania County are relevant because if that project were to damage well water supplies, the people affected would have to use bottled water for a long time.

Over the years, we’ve heard uranium mining opponents make some superfluous arguments against uranium mining, but drinking water remains the most relevant for the largest number of people in this community.

Please encourage everyone to go!Uranium Mining in Virginia: Scientific, Technical, Environmental, Human Health and Safety, and Regulatory Aspects of Uranium Mining and Processing in Virginia. Several members of the committee that wrote the report will present its findings and take questions from the public in several locations next week. Here are the details:Committee attendees at all meetings will be Paul Locke, Scott Brooks, Bill Field, Keith Eshleman, Peter deFur, and Henry Schnell http://dels.nas.edu/Report/Uranium-Mining-Virginia-Scientific-Technical/13266

Testimony of Earl E. Hoellen, International Uranium (U.S.A.) Corporation, Before the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces http://armed-services.senate.gov/statemnt/980903eh.htm Please take time to read this testimony. This explains a little more regarding “alternate feed” (basically using the mill to dispose wastes at uranium mills). At this time, there is no reason to believe this will not be a practice at VUI’s mill. km

Are some elected officials waging war against Southside and Virginia’s Constitution? On January 18th seven Virginia delegates and senators requested of the Governor what appears to be consideration of “special law” which is prohibited by Virginia’s Constitution. http://legis.state.va.us/laws/search/constitution.htm. Are these legislators asking the General Assembly to enact a law granting Virginia Uranium special rights or privileges? http://www2.godanriver.com/mgmedia/file/533/uranium-mining-letter/ On January 19th the Governor asked for the establishment of a Uranium Working Group citing Article V, Section 8 of Virginia’s Constitution. Article V, Section 8 states “The Governor may require information in writing, under oath, from any officer of any executive or administrative department, office, or agency, or any public institution upon any subject relating to their respective departments, offices, agencies, or public institutions;…” The Governor’s directive asks for more than information. Has the Governor overstepped his authority? http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/Governor’s%20Directive.pdf It appears some elected officials are willing to designate (initially) Southside as a sacrifice zone. Will they gut the Constitution of Virginia in order to achieve this?

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/uranium-news-2-1-2012-2/feed/0behealthyvauranium news 2-1-2012https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/uranium-news-2-1-2012/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/uranium-news-2-1-2012/#respondWed, 01 Feb 2012 18:51:01 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=688Fw: WE’RE LOSING? Remember the old Dusty Springfield song, Wishin’ and Hopin’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycbgHM1mI0k Folks, wishin’ and hopin’ is not going to persuade our delegates and senators to keep the ban on uranium. You need to CALL and WRITE to them…repeatedly. One of our elist members called

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/02/01/uranium-news-2-1-2012/feed/0behealthyvauranium news 1-22-2012https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/uranium-news-1-22-2012/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/uranium-news-1-22-2012/#respondMon, 23 Jan 2012 03:40:31 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=684Legislators wrong to seek delay http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2012/jan/22/legislators-wrong-seek-delay-ar-1627993/ These are the kinds of mindless creatures we are combating in this issue. km

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/01/23/uranium-news-1-22-2012/feed/0behealthyvaUranium mining in Pittsylvania county news 1-19-2012https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/681/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/681/#respondThu, 19 Jan 2012 23:31:08 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=681Call Gov. McDonnell and ask him NOT TO DRAFT REGULATIONS on uranium mining and milling in Virginia. The Gov. telephone number is 804-786-2211! Please forward to others on address book! We need to Keep the Ban on Uranium Mining and Milling in VA CALL RIGHT NOW! call now to say you do not want regs. drafted and want to continue the ban. 804-786-2211.

Lawmakers press for uranium regulations http://www.roanoke.com/politics/wb/303673 Why is VUI so anxious to have the regulations written? The only thing standing between VUI and an open pit, underground mine and tons of radioactive/hazardous wastes are REGULATIONS. Here is the current law regarding U mining. § 45.1-283. Uranium mining permit applications; when accepted; uranium mining deemed to have significant effect on surface.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, permit applications for uranium mining shall not be accepted by any agency of the Commonwealth prior to July 1, 1984, and until a program for permitting uranium mining is established by statute. For the purpose of construing § 45.1-180 (a), uranium mining shall be deemed to have a significant effect on the surface.

(1982, c. 269; 1983, c. 3.)

Those “pressing” for regulations in any way shape or form are advancing VUI’s agenda for mining. Tell legislators not to endorse development of draft regulations for U mining. km Thank you Karen, for getting this news out and commenting upon it. They ( the G.A. ) must have an idea that drawing up new regs for an as yet, non existant proposal, would be expensive to the taxpayers, and, in the event that the ban remains in tact, a waste of money totally. First the Va.taxpayers need to fund a site specific study of the geology/hydrology of Kohls Hill. The whole thing stinks of payoffs and dirty politics, which, thanks to our “Bush appointed” Supreme Court, are all perfectly legal. ra

Please contact your legislators and let them know that you want to keep the moratorium and ban prohibit Uranium exploration Also, let them know that you do not support legislation to write regulations for uranium mining.

Military Warheads as a Source of Nuclear Fuel http://www.world-nuclear.org/info/inf13.html The link above was sent by an elist member. It is important that we begin to look at a uranium mill as having the potential to use “alternate feed” during it’s lifetime. In other words, contaminated materials from various sources are stockpiled, processed (conveniently called “recycled’) and a myriad of hazardous wastes generated and stored. This enables a mill to remain open when it may not be economically feasible to process mining ore. If you had concerns regarding the processing of uranium ore…google “alternate feed uranium mill” to see how much worse the situation at Coles Hill could become if the ban is lifted. We could well become the nuclear/hazardous waste capitol of the east coast.

Please click on the link, look on the right hand side, and click the tab for “Sign Our Petition” if you have not already done so. We are 409 signatures shy of the 10,000 we had hoped to have prior to the convening of the General Assembly. There is still time. Sign if you have not, have members of your family sign, and send the link and request to friends and acquaintances. http://keeptheban.org/

After reading the 11 page NTS I have several comments that I believe are of significant interest. The first and one of the primary oversights contained in this NAS – NTS is their omission of the amount of water that will be required during all phases of the proposed operation. Water is mentioned only twice in this summary – – on page 4, paragraph 5 – – in reference to “long term operation and maintenance of water treatment systems or other clean-up technologies.” Once again water is mentioned on page 7, paragraph 5: “Documented environmental impacts from uranium mining and processing include elevated concentrations of trace minerals in water localized reduction of groundwater levels and exposure of populations of aquatic and terrestrial biota to elevated levels of radionuclides and other hazardous substances.”

Personally, and this is solely my observation, this alone makes a case for maintaining the moratorium! At the very least, the report should have mentioned the vast amounts of water that will be required on a daily basis for the mining and milling operations.

On page 4, paragraph 1, the report says: “Of the sites explored inVirginia so far, only the deposit at Coles Hills large enough, and of high enogh grade, to be potentially economically viable”

This flies in the face of two things: 1st. the statement by Paul Locke that the report was non-site specific, and, 2nd. the statements and declared intentions of VUI management as to mining sites, other than Coles Hill. Marline spent alot of money many years ago securing leases at sites across the state, realized for their potential deposits.

Page 4, paragraph 5, states: “Tailings consist of everything that was in the ore except the extracted uranium” , when, in fact, the millng process only reclaims 15% of the uranium present in the ore, and, that the remaining dust contains 85% of the uranium. This is the real threat to water, air, health and the environment. These tailings are what will be around to haunt The Commonwealth for thousands of years.

Further,on page 5, paragraph 1 the NAS admits that there will be, left over, a radioactive mess requiring long term monitoring, operation, and maintenance of tailings compounds.

Page 6, under the heading of The Health Risks of Radiation Exposure, the report “soft peddles” as best it can, the adversity, stating that “Ionizing radiation has enough energy to change the structure of moecules, including DNA within the cells of the body.” Later in the same paragraph it is stated that “There is a linear relationship to radiation and cancer developement in humans. This means that even exposure to a very small amount of radiation could raise the risk of cancer – but only by a very small amount; increased exposure leads toincreased risk.” That must mean that Dr. Helen Caldicott was wrong when she said that there is no safe amount of radiation exposure.

The report continues to enumerate the health effects from what they refer to as “overexposure” to silica and diesel fumes, excusing this tidbit by stating that “All types of mining pose arisk of traumatic injury to miners. They neglect to state that miners are there, in the mine, of their own choice, while the local residents are subjected to everything (except cave-ins) that the miners experience, without any compensation for the risks they experience. Further, the report recognizes that there has never been a uranium mine located in such a populated area with comparable rainfall, leaving the reader with the feeling that this is truly an experimental situation.

Page 8, paragraph 2 says that precise impacts of any operation would require a thorough site characterization, supplemented by air quality and hydrological modeling for estimating these impacts. Further, that “until comprehensive site-specific risk assesments are conducted,” it would be impossible to assess and mitigate potential impacts. Small wonder that VUI did not wish to inclde “site specific” in the NAS report. Additionally, the law states that on privately owned land, must be regulated by the state, and, as we realize, Virginia has no experience in this arena! In fact, the Federal Government has limited experience in regulating uranium mining activities, due mainly to the fact that federal laws have not changed over the last 25 years.

The report emphasizes that “At present there are substantial gaps in legal and regulatory coverage for activities involved in uranium mining, processing, and long term stewardship – – – ” which may be mitigated (hopefully) by active public participation, but, “–under the current regulatory structure, opportunities for meaningful public involvement are fragmented and limited.”

In conclusion, I am adding that the NAS report, at least in the NTS section, there seems to be very little hope of transparency, and that the risks involved pose a situation whereby Dr Paul Locke himself stated that he would refuse to comment on the question as to whether or not he would recommend lifting the moratorium, based on the fact that he is a resident of Virginia. Nuff said —-

I sincerely solicit your comments. My next task is the entire 300 page report from the NAS Hunter Austin

Nas study Many conversations regarding this newest report, this one from the National Academy of Sciences, are abounding in cyberspace. I have not heard the answer to my question yet, neither have I heard anyone else bring it up for discussion. I have asked this question twice! Once to the Subcommittee studying this issue of uranium mining at the revelation of the Chmura report. Once again I asked this same question of the same Subcommittee at the meeting in Richmond last Tuesday. On both occasions this question was written on a piece of paper and reviewed (and I can only assume discarded) by the same Honorable member of the Subcommittee.

So, I would like to submit this question to anyone who will give me an answer.

The proposed milling operation, serving the proposed uranium mine at Coles Hill, will be able to process uranium ore from not only Coles Hill uranium mine, but any other uranium mines anywhere and everywhere else in the USA. Walter Coles has stated as much. My question is: Have either the NAS report, the Chmura report, or, for that matter the RTI report, taken into account the added costs of security, transportation, and infrastructure in their reportage?

Please feel free to pass this question on to any one who would like to give me an answer.

Report Identifies Health, Environmental Issues, and Best Practices To Mitigate Some Risks if Virginia Lifts Ban on Uranium Mining http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=13266 I no longer hold alot of respect for the NAS. In fact, I usually delete their news letter,as the only punishable act I have at my disposal! But this issue contains the admission (in my opinion) that this whole issue has a threat level that needs more than they (NAS) had intended when accepting 1.4 million $. H

This is a good example of what’s wrong with the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors. I thought that we’d (partially) solved this situation in the recent election, but, alas, the “new” BOS dosen’t sit in session until after January 1st, so they have pulled a fast one here! What could be the harm in delaying the time of decision making by one (1) year, as the outcome, could have such long lasting results? I would like to suggest a letter writing campaign to alert the residents about thyese overt actions by the Pitt. Cty. BOS. H

Also, the cost of the RRBA report, by Dr. Robert Moran, was approximately $15,000, and it was included in the $2,597,000 figure given in the letter. The cost of the Northern Virginia Watersheds study was not.

WHEREAS, the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors adopted resolution 2009-02-05 on February 17, 2009 stating, “THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the State Mining Study Commission determine by its study and report that no damage or harm will be done to Pittsylvania County, its businesses, institutions, environment and its citizens by uranium mining, as opposed to a cost/benefit approach to this issue or simply accepting minimal damages;” and

WHEREAS, on February 19, 2009 the afore mentioned resolution was submitted to the Coal and Energy Subcommittee c/o Ellen Porter, Staff Attorney; and

WHEREAS, there is no documentation or evidence of “no damage or harm” at any uranium mine site world-wide to date; and

WHEREAS, Piedmont Residents In Defense of the Environment (PRIDE) is in support of Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors’ duty and desire that “no damage or harm will be done to Pittsylvania County, its businesses, institutions, environment and its citizens by uranium mining,”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Piedmont Residents In Defense of the Environment (PRIDE), a chapter of Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League (BREDL) supports the continuation of the moratorium on uranium mining in Virginia and believes that uranium mining in Southern Virginia would be destructive to its people and economy, and detrimental to the people and economy of Virginia as a whole.

“That means that two Canadian corporatio​ns – Virginia Energy Resources and Sprott -now hold a 49.8 percent
This will help to better understand VUI’s corporate structure. Part II of three will be online next week.

“That means that two Canadian corporations – Virginia Energy Resources and Sprott –now hold a 49.8 percent interest in Virginia Uranium, Inc. Contrary to claims on the Virginia Uranium, Inc., website, the Bowens and the Coles, whose properties sit on the uranium deposit, could not own 78 percent of the firm. At best, they own about half.”

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/uranium-mining-news-11-30-2011/feed/0behealthyvainterestin​g perspectiv​e/distance from mininghttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/interestin%e2%80%8bg-perspectiv%e2%80%8bedistance-from-mining/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/interestin%e2%80%8bg-perspectiv%e2%80%8bedistance-from-mining/#respondWed, 30 Nov 2011 19:04:52 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=659When asked how far my home is located from Coles Hill I answered, guessing, somewhere around 20-25 miles. I wanted to verify so I went to MapQuest to see how far I was from the proposed mine “as the crow flies”. I was actually around 15 miles from the proposed mine site according to the map and legend there. Accurate? I don’t know…if anyone has a better way to calculate the distance let me know and I’ll share with our elist.

You may want to plug in your address for a perspective on how far you will be from the proposed mine site. Get your practice in so you can easily calculate your distance from other other mines as the are permitted IF the current ban on uranium mining is lifted.

According to the (unscientific) MapQuest query, Averett University is approximately 16.5 miles from Coles Hill. The institute for Advanced Learning and Research appears to be appx. 15 miles from Coles Hill and the Olde Dominion Agriculture Center was calculated in feet, appx. 22,500 feet which is a little more than 4 miles.

Concern has been expressed about Chatham Hall and Hargrave’s close proximity to Coles Hill…What are the distances from our many public and private schools, churches, businesses and industries? Perhaps, closer than you think.

“What was missing — and is still missing — is a recognition of the danger,” Ishibashi said, seated in a dining room stacked with books in his house in a Kobe suburb. “I understand we’re not going to shut all of the nuclear plants, but we should rank them by risk and phase out the worst.”

Please note that few facts and little information is contained in the publication. The entire newsletter appears to have been printed for the sole purpose of discrediting those who have questioned and expressed concerns regarding VUI’s plans to mine and mill in VA.

from an observant email list member…uranium mining regulation equated to hair braiding, body waxing and toe fungus??? VUI’s lobbyists??? “The committee also suggested a five-year moratorium on the regulation of any new industry in Virginia and directing the state’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to study the impact of industry regulations.”

Virginia governor sees business – and traffic – in India – Virginia Politics – The Washington Post
“He has also met with leaders in Indian auto manufacturing, health care and energy. Within the next two months, McDonnell said, he expects to be able to announce deals with Indian companies to start or expand existing business in Virginia.”

Wonder if the prospect of exporting Virginia’s yellowcake was mentioned?

Proponents of uranium mining have spent more than $1 million to convince lawmakers to lift the statewide ban that has protected our drinking water for 30 years. At the same time more than 7,500 citizens have stood up in support of the ban, and 60 government entities and nonprofit groups have passed resolutions or taken other action in support of the ban.

Don’t let industry money drown out the voice of Virginia citizens, join the Virginia conservation community to learn about the looming showdown at the General Assembly.

Get the tools you need to communicate with lawmakers while your in Richmond and in your community. Train with us today for victory in 2012.

General Assembly Preview

Saturday, December 3, 2011

9am – 3pm

Virginia State Capitol, House Room 3, Richmond, VA

Registration for the General Assembly Preview includes a copy of Virginia Conservation Networks annual Our Common Agenda briefing book and lunch. The agenda includes two plenary session; breakout sessions on uranium mining, clean energy policy, smart growth and Chesapeake Bay cleanup; and lobby training for beginners and experienced citizens lobbyists.

Conservation Lobby Day

Monday, January 23, 2011

9am – 2pm

Center State, Rhythm Hall Richmond, VA

Your lawmakers need to hear from you. The issues at hand are too important to leave in the hands of paid lobbyists.

Proposed Uranium Project: Degradation of Water Quality and Increased Water Competition, Report Finds

Danville, VA – Today, the Roanoke River Basin Association (RRBA) released a site- specific report finding that the proposed uranium mining and milling project at Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County, VA would cause long-term, chronic degradation of water quality and increase water competition in the region. The report was prepared by Dr. Robert Moran, who has more than thirty-nine years of domestic and international experience in conducting and managing water quality, geochemical and hydrogeologic work for private investors, industrial clients, tribal and citizens groups, NGO’s, law firms, and governmental agencies at all levels. In the early 1980s, Dr. Moran was on the team conducting environmental studies on water quality and hydrogeology for Marline Uranium and Union Carbide.

Coles Hill that is located in the Roanoke River Basin watershed would host the first uranium mine and mill on the East Coast if the Virginia General Assembly lifts the existing ban on uranium mining in the Commonwealth. All of the publicly-available technical data and information for the Coles Hill proposed operations were collected by the mining companies or by consultants / contractors paid by these companies. Most of the publicly-available opinions on future impacts that might result from such operations also come from the companies or their paid contractors. This report is one of the few reports on potential impacts of proposed uranium mining in Virginia that has not been funded by the industry.

“Various aspects of uranium mining are expected to be addressed in the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report due on December 1, 2011. However, the statement of task for the NAS panel explicitly excludes site-specific assessments, which prompted the RRBA to commission this report to assess risks and challenges associated with on- site water and waste management during the operations and post-closure.,” said Andrew Lester, executive director of RRBA.

“Unfortunately, the company seeking to lift the existing ban has so far failed to present any sort of detailed project proposal, in writing. The verbally-described plans have changed constantly, depending on the audience. Hence, we felt that an independent evaluation of the proposed project is needed,” explained Olga Kolotushkina, RRBA advisor.

Dr. Moran was tasked with evaluating site and project-specific risks and challenges the proposed uranium mining and milling project will pose for the region. The report identifies waste rock, uranium mill tailings, mine dewatering, and the use of explosives as potential sources of significant water contamination.

The report finds that the project as proposed may generate at least 28 million tons of solid uranium mill tailings and roughly the same amount of liquid waste. The solid wastes would remain on site forever, requiring maintenance forever. Uranium mill tailings would contain radionuclides, heavy metals and other toxic elements. Undiluted tailings liquids may contain 1160 to 1460 times the existing Safe Drinking Water Act standard for uranium.

The report also finds a potentially significant impact on the water availability in the region. According to the report findings, as proposed, the Coles Hill project would require over 5 billion gallons of water. During the start-up period, the project would use at least 525.6 million gallons per year. The company’s documents have failed to identify the sources of this water.

The report also finds a potentially significant impact on groundwater. “Seepage of acidic water and other chemicals should be the main concern,” warns Dr. Moran. The report also cautions that the confirmed presence of sulfides in the Coles Hill rock raises the possibility that long-term, active water treatment may be required, in perpetuity.

“Most U.S. uranium mining sites that I visited are located in desert or semi-desert, sparsely-populated regions. The Coles Hill site is wet, with annual precipitation equal to about 42 inches. Most importantly, within a radius of 2 to 3 miles, Coles Hill has roughly 250 private wells, at least one dairy and numerous hay / forage fields, which are liable to be impacted,” said Dr. Moran.

“The main takeaway from this report for the communities is that all such large-scale uranium projects involve trade-offs, usually some short-term jobs, etc. in exchange for long-term impacts (environmental, socioeconomic, etc.), most of which are paid by future generations. Thus, many of the long-term costs will be subsidized by the public,” said Dr. Moran.

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS STATEMENT IS PRELIMINARY AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE PENDING FINAL REVIEW OF THE EVENT(S) AND PUBLICATION IN NWS STORM DATA.

…SUMMARY… THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN BLACKSBURG VA HAS CONFIRMED A TORNADO NEAR JUST SOUTH OF DRY FORK IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY VIRGINIA ON NOVEMBER 16 2011.

A TORNADO…RATED AS AN EF1…TOUCHED DOWN JUST SOUTH OF DRY FORK IN PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY NEAR WHITE OAK MOUNTAIN ROAD. NUMEROUS TREES WERE SNAPPED AND UPROOTED IN THIS AREA. THE TORNADO TRACKED EAST-NORTHEAST AND TOUCHED DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. THE TORNADO HIT THE UNIQUE INDUSTRIES COMPANY AT THE INTERSECTION OF U.S. HIGHWAY 29 AND TOY LANE. HERE…AN ESTIMATED 100 MPH TORNADIC WIND RIPPED THREE LARGE VENTILATION UNITS OFF THE ROOF…AND THE ROOF ITSELF SUSTAINED DAMAGE. TWO TRACTOR TRAILERS BY THE BUSINESS WERE OVERTURNED. THE TORNADO LASTLY TOUCHED DOWN ACROSS U.S. HIGHWAY 29 WHERE IT CAUSED MINOR DAMAGE TO THE ROOF OF A HOUSE.

THIS INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE AT WEATHER.GOV/RNK.

FOR REFERENCE…THE ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE CLASSIFIES TORNADOES INTO THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

USAID Environmen​t: Water – Global Water Crisis
Wasn’t Walter Coles with the USAID? I’d say uranium mining and milling in VA could be termed “poor management of our water.
“The water crisis is not one of absolute scarcity as much as poor management and inequitable distribution.”http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/environment/water/water_crisis.html

Water is in crisis…not the need for uranium.
“As growing demand for clean water stretches even the resources of the world’s largest industrialized nations, scientists and engineers are turning to new technology and novel ideas to find solutions.”http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=111305

A registration fee of $10 each (includes lunch) will help us with administrative costs. You can either click here to download the registration form (complete and return it by mail with your check), or click the “Pay Now” button below to register and pay online.

Dry Fork, VA – The League of Individuals for the Environment, a nonprofit organization based in Gretna, VA will host Dr. Robert Moran and William “Paul” Robinson as speakers at an event on Saturday, November 5 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the White Grove Outreach Center located at 1461 Dry Fork Road., Dry Fork, VA 24549. The guests will speak on the potential for radioactive contamination in Virginia’s watersheds that may result from Virginia Uranium, Inc.’s proposal to mine and mill uranium at Coles Hill, VA.

Dr. Robert Moran has more than thirty-nine years of domestic and international experience in conducting and managing water quality, geochemical and hydrogeologic work for private investors, industrial clients, tribal and citizens groups, NGO’s, law firms, and governmental agencies at all levels. Much of Dr. Moran’s technical expertise involves the quality and geochemistry of natural and contaminated waters and sediments as related to mining, nuclear fuel cycle sites, industrial development, geothermal resources, hazardous wastes, and water supply development. Dr. Moran received his PhD in geological sciences from the University of Texas, Austin in 1974. In early 1980s, Dr. Moran was part of the team involved in exploration and development of the Coles Hill deposit. Countries worked in include: Australia, Greece, Bulgaria, Mali, Senegal, Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, South Africa, Iraqi Kurdistan, Oman, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Romania, Russia (Buryatia), Papua New Guinea, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Peru, El Salvador, Belgium, Canada, Great Britain, United States.

William “Paul” Robinson, a native of Harrisonburg, VA, is employed as Research Director at Southwest Research and Information Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, an organization working to promote the health of people and communities, protect natural resources, ensure citizen participation, and secure environmental and social justice now and for future generations. Robinson has prepared peer reviewed technical papers, contract publications, and educational materials and provided expert technical testimony related to uranium mines, mills and uranium policy throughout his 35- year career. He has a Masters in Community and Regional Planning with an emphasis on Natural Resource Management from University of New Mexico and a BA from the Technology Assessment Program at Washington University. He has served as a technical expert in regulatory proceedings periodically since 1979 including proceedings for uranium facilities such as” White Mesa uranium mill in UT; Crow Butte in situ uranium mine in NE; Pitch Project in CO; Gulf-Mt. Taylor uranium mills in NM, and Vane Minerals Exploration Plan in Arizona in the US, the Elliot Lake uranium mill tailings and mine waste decommissioning in Canada. His expertise also includes the adoption of regulations concerning mine operations and mine reclamation.

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/05/south-boston-council-takes-strong-stance-on-uranium/feed/0behealthyvaSecurity or Insecurity – Board of Directors Meeting videohttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/security-or-insecurity-board-of-directors-meeting-video/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/security-or-insecurity-board-of-directors-meeting-video/#respondWed, 02 Nov 2011 02:53:57 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=606Intercom – Citizen accused of crime for which there is no law. Intimidation and abuse of power by a governing body.

Harville’s comment:

“We simply can’t allow our government to decide which residents it feels comfortable around and which ones “pick at” them.”

Many of you on this elist have spoken to elected and appointed boards at some time or other. Perhaps some of you bore the brunt of a such an official’s ire. Do not allow it to quiet you. We need everyone’s voice as the uranium ban issue heats up.

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/experts-to-speak-on-water-quality-impact-of-uranium-mining/feed/0behealthyvaupcoming presentationhttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/upcoming-presentation/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/upcoming-presentation/#respondWed, 02 Nov 2011 02:46:29 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=595YOU DO HAVE AN INVITATION TO ATTEND both of theses presentations on November 5th.

A registration fee of $10 each (includes lunch) will help us with administrative costs. You can either click here to download the registration form (complete and return it by mail with your check), or click the “Pay Now” button below to register and pay online.

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/upcoming-presentation/feed/0behealthyvaMega park, city staff bonuses on Danville City Council agenda | GoDanRiver​.comhttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/mega-park-city-staff-bonuses-on-danville-city-council-agenda-godanriver%e2%80%8b-com/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/mega-park-city-staff-bonuses-on-danville-city-council-agenda-godanriver%e2%80%8b-com/#respondWed, 02 Nov 2011 02:44:52 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=592“The state and Tobacco Commission are pushing localities to consider grading site to show property preparedness.”

Strange sentence…Is RIFA or the state of VA and TIC responsible for the megapark development? All parcels of the megapark have historic Marline leases.

]]>https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/mega-park-city-staff-bonuses-on-danville-city-council-agenda-godanriver%e2%80%8b-com/feed/0behealthyvaWhy Mine Uranium In Virginiahttps://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/why-mine-uranium-in-virginia/
https://behealthyva.wordpress.com/2011/11/02/why-mine-uranium-in-virginia/#respondWed, 02 Nov 2011 02:44:16 +0000http://behealthyva.wordpress.com/?p=590LOTG Radio – Why Mine Uranium In Virginia part 4
with Robert Burnley, Director of the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality 2002-2006, during Governor Mark Warner’s term. He currently works as an Environmental Advisor to governments and industry. His expertise and understanding of energy, economics and the environment provide a firm foundation from which he speaks about the potential and pitfalls around uranium mining. Listen and judge for yourself whether or not to open the Commonwealth to this new business opportunity. http://lotgradio-lisataranto-route250project.podomatic.com/entry/2011-10-27T16_48_46-07_00
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